And, classy as ever, Heinemann writes a letter to fans explaining the decision:

So, I wanted to write you a note about Kei. I’m sure you know by now we’ve agreed to loan Kei to Norwich City in the EPL until early May. I’ve just returned from Tucson and had the opportunity to be very involved in this, and I spoke with Kei over the past couple days as we worked through things. I need to preface this by telling you that we love having Kei on our team. He’s performed, connected with fans and created a life for himself in Kansas City that will last long after he’s done with soccer.

One of the frustrating things for fans, but a fact of life, is that our players will have aspirations to play in the top leagues throughout the world – most especially the EPL. If we are to continue on the track of being a well-respected organization for player development, then it will be inevitable that teams will come after our players and that our players will have desires to go test their talents in these top leagues.

As an organization, we are never going to begrudge them for it – and we certainly don’t in this case with Kei. We’ve committed to you that our goal is to produce a consistent, championship-caliber team over the long-term. We’ve been outspoken early this year that an MLS championship is our primary goal. In light of today’s news, nothing has changed in our expectations. It’s situations like this that test our organization’s ability to maximize the opportunity to meet both of those goals, while working with our players’ aspirations and professional development.

Strange as it may seem, we think this gives us the best opportunity to keep Kei long-term. As much as he loves Kansas City, Kei deeply wants to experience the EPL and this is his chance. So we’ve partnered with him to give him the chance to do so for the first 10 games this season. The loan proceeds will allow us to reinvest in our existing young core of players and solidify their futures in the club. In the event Kei is signed by Norwich City, our club would receive a very fair transfer fee that again, we’d use to reinvest in our club. If Kei returns in May, his contract is extended and we will work in earnest to sign him to a deal that keeps him with the club through the end of his career. If we hadn’t have done this, Kei would have left at the end of the year as a “free” player, similar to Roger Espinoza this past year. So the risk we take is allowing him to go for 10 games this year, in hopes of getting him for years to come.

I’m not going to say to you that “this is a business,” and you have to get used to it. I know it’s not a business to you, it’s very personal. It is to us as well. We get to know these young men very well, and do what we can to create a partnership that encourages them to connect with the community and hopefully stick around for the long-term. We don’t like it when they go. I understand the impact this has on your kids as well – to the nth degree. My seven- and six-year-olds, Katherine and Charlie, don’t ask me, “Why did they let him go?” They ask me, “Why did YOU let him go?” so I get it…..

We want Kei to continue to be successful. He deserves it for the hard work he’s put in. There’s a chance we won’t get him back, and if so, we can all cheer him on in the EPL and be proud to call him one of ours. But if he comes back, I know we’ll all welcome him with #heartshapedhands.

Take care,
Robb

__________________Bacon-wrapped shrimp: My first-favorite food wrapped around my third-favorite food. I'd go to a banquet in honor of those Somali pirates if they served bacon-wrapped shrimp.

And, classy as ever, Heinemann writes a letter to fans explaining the decision:

So, I wanted to write you a note about Kei. I’m sure you know by now we’ve agreed to loan Kei to Norwich City in the EPL until early May. I’ve just returned from Tucson and had the opportunity to be very involved in this, and I spoke with Kei over the past couple days as we worked through things. I need to preface this by telling you that we love having Kei on our team. He’s performed, connected with fans and created a life for himself in Kansas City that will last long after he’s done with soccer.

One of the frustrating things for fans, but a fact of life, is that our players will have aspirations to play in the top leagues throughout the world – most especially the EPL. If we are to continue on the track of being a well-respected organization for player development, then it will be inevitable that teams will come after our players and that our players will have desires to go test their talents in these top leagues.

As an organization, we are never going to begrudge them for it – and we certainly don’t in this case with Kei. We’ve committed to you that our goal is to produce a consistent, championship-caliber team over the long-term. We’ve been outspoken early this year that an MLS championship is our primary goal. In light of today’s news, nothing has changed in our expectations. It’s situations like this that test our organization’s ability to maximize the opportunity to meet both of those goals, while working with our players’ aspirations and professional development.

Strange as it may seem, we think this gives us the best opportunity to keep Kei long-term. As much as he loves Kansas City, Kei deeply wants to experience the EPL and this is his chance. So we’ve partnered with him to give him the chance to do so for the first 10 games this season. The loan proceeds will allow us to reinvest in our existing young core of players and solidify their futures in the club. In the event Kei is signed by Norwich City, our club would receive a very fair transfer fee that again, we’d use to reinvest in our club. If Kei returns in May, his contract is extended and we will work in earnest to sign him to a deal that keeps him with the club through the end of his career. If we hadn’t have done this, Kei would have left at the end of the year as a “free” player, similar to Roger Espinoza this past year. So the risk we take is allowing him to go for 10 games this year, in hopes of getting him for years to come.

I’m not going to say to you that “this is a business,” and you have to get used to it. I know it’s not a business to you, it’s very personal. It is to us as well. We get to know these young men very well, and do what we can to create a partnership that encourages them to connect with the community and hopefully stick around for the long-term. We don’t like it when they go. I understand the impact this has on your kids as well – to the nth degree. My seven- and six-year-olds, Katherine and Charlie, don’t ask me, “Why did they let him go?” They ask me, “Why did YOU let him go?” so I get it…..

We want Kei to continue to be successful. He deserves it for the hard work he’s put in. There’s a chance we won’t get him back, and if so, we can all cheer him on in the EPL and be proud to call him one of ours. But if he comes back, I know we’ll all welcome him with #heartshapedhands.

Take care,
Robb

Classy - And the fact is Kei might/ might not do well in the EPL - He has a home here. Id rather we loan him out in the offseason to EPL clubs - But I wish him well... We just need to continue to get influential players in.

Fact is, KC is starting to become the Farm of the bigger Leagues really speaks volumes to this organization and their scouting. While we will hate losing players - this will bring financial stability, and more players here to try to get there shot at the bigger leagues.

Stanley beat me to it but yea Kei gets loaned to EPL side Norwich City. They have him until May 6th and during that time get the option to buy him outright...if they decline that option he comes back to KC with an extended contract.

Classy - And the fact is Kei might/ might not do well in the EPL - He has a home here. Id rather we loan him out in the offseason to EPL clubs - But I wish him well... We just need to continue to get influential players in.

Fact is, KC is starting to become the Farm of the bigger Leagues really speaks volumes to this organization and their scouting. While we will hate losing players - this will bring financial stability, and more players here to try to get there shot at the bigger leagues.

Yup, I think this really is the best move for all parties-- SKC gets to appease Kei and potentially mitigate the damage of losing him for only 10 games vs a whole season; Kei gets his opportunity to feel out a top-tier league and show his potential; and Norwich City has a (relatively) low-risk, high-reward loan with the option to sign. This is the best realistic outcome for SKC fans, IMHO

__________________Bacon-wrapped shrimp: My first-favorite food wrapped around my third-favorite food. I'd go to a banquet in honor of those Somali pirates if they served bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Classy - And the fact is Kei might/ might not do well in the EPL - He has a home here. Id rather we loan him out in the offseason to EPL clubs - But I wish him well... We just need to continue to get influential players in.

Fact is, KC is starting to become the Farm of the bigger Leagues really speaks volumes to this organization and their scouting. While we will hate losing players - this will bring financial stability, and more players here to try to get there shot at the bigger leagues.

Dislike.

I think the league not just SKC takes hit here.

I would be better with being a farm team if we had not finished just short of a league championship the past two years. But this gal is friggin tired of falling just short and settling. Thus, while I am so happy for Kei it does make me realize what my foreign born friends say is true, MLS is not a big league and my never be if we cannot keep top players here. What bewilders me is the embracing of the notion of being a farm system to EPL and other pleagues. Yes, you can realize certain players aspire to get to more prestigious leagues via MLS but do you want to embrace that idea and then run with it? I think it is a dangerous fine
line to walk. I say this after watching soccer and its growth in this country for the past 33 years.

Personally, I do not want to be personally and especially fiancially invested in a farm team set up. The owners have created the allure and illusion of a top destination to be. Why would we want to change that to a 'for now.'?????

__________________Meet the new boss same as the old boss.

BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid."
"It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03

The difference in how this has transpired compared to Espinoza is telling. If/when Shea ends up across the pond, I doubt it is a deal as MLS team friendly a deal as this is for SKC. Kamara recognizes his worth and who helped him reached it. He made sure he didn't burn any KC bridges. EPL is a whole different game and no matter how it may appear a player's play will translate to that league, there are no guarantees. Except the one Kamara and SKC have crafted here. I think he will either take the league by storm or be back in May. No middle ground. I am curious to see if he can get anywhere near the chances he has here....oh well, another EPL team to DVR!

The difference in how this has transpired compared to Espinoza is telling. If/when Shea ends up across the pond, I doubt it is a deal as MLS team friendly a deal as this is for SKC. Kamara recognizes his worth and who helped him reached it. He made sure he didn't burn any KC bridges. EPL is a whole different game and no matter how it may appear a player's play will translate to that league, there are no guarantees. Except the one Kamara and SKC have crafted here. I think he will either take the league by storm or be back in May. No middle ground. I am curious to see if he can get anywhere near the chances he has here....oh well, another EPL team to DVR!

That is pretty unfair to Espinoza. The situations were not the same.

Roger was not under contract with SKC at all and Kei was.

Had guy not been under contract he could have (and would have) left for EPL just the same.

Had guy not been under contract he could have (and would have) left for EPL just the same.

Not meaning to be unfair. I guess I meant more to say that the EPL team made it happen with a guy under contract here and that Kei didn't just play out his contract and leave. Instead the sides worked out a deal that is more immediate for Norwich and Kei so he can maintain his ties here in case it goes poorly. Zach how do you think he will fare?

My two cents -
I think Kei will do well given playing time and adjustment to the speed. He's tremendous on the ball and that will translate...if he gets to play. If Norwich just wants the depth for the final push...he'll be back.
I see this resulting in Zusi moving up to right wing and the rookie Lopez moving to holding MF behind Feilhaber attacking MF given Mikey's reported impact so far.

Not meaning to be unfair. I guess I meant more to say that the EPL team made it happen with a guy under contract here and that Kei didn't just play out his contract and leave. Instead the sides worked out a deal that is more immediate for Norwich and Kei so he can maintain his ties here in case it goes poorly. Zach how do you think he will fare?

I think he will only do "ok" in EPL. His athleticism lets him get away with a lot of things in MLS that might not work on the next level.

My two cents -
I think Kei will do well given playing time and adjustment to the speed. He's tremendous on the ball and that will translate...if he gets to play. If Norwich just wants the depth for the final push...he'll be back.
I see this resulting in Zusi moving up to right wing and the rookie Lopez moving to holding MF behind Feilhaber attacking MF given Mikey's reported impact so far.

I would be surprised to see Mikey make an immediate impact. But stranger things have happened.